Glenfiddich 18 year old

Part of Glenfiddich’s core range, the 18 year old has received a double maturation in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. Since this whisky is aged in small batches, one bottle may taste slightly different from another. Each however is a definite step up from the rather bland 12 year old and the overly sweet 15 year old. The extra years of maturation, along with the sherry influence, give this whisky much more character, resulting in a complex, distinguished dram. While this is perhaps not the most exciting of whiskies, it never fails to put a satisfied smile on my face.

Colour: Harvest gold

Nose: Light and flowery, like a fresh spring day. There’s some very fruity, almost tropical aromas, with pineapple and perhaps a pinch of coconut. These give way to sweet, spicy scents, with notes of aniseed, pepper and a hint of caramel. On the whole, the nose seems to hold the midst between a florist shop and a spice market.

Palate: Smooooth and oh so silky. This is a very well-balanced whisky, bursting with flavour yet also delicate and elegant. A creamy, nutty profile dominates (almonds and macadamia), with some spices shining through later on (cloves and cinnamon). These dissipate into notes of caramelised apple.

Finish: Rather disappointing. The finish is short, soft, and altogether too mellow. The aftertaste fades quickly and immediately makes you want to reach for the glass again for more of that good stuff on the palate.

Verdict: This is a good whisky, depending on the mood you’re in. It won’t give you that great warming feeling, but Glenfiddich 18 is dangerously drinkable, with oceans of depth to explore. Rich, complex and sophisticated, this is a great dram for leaning back, relaxing and just mulling things over. With a reasonable price tag for an 18 year old, this Glenfiddich is definitely worth a try.